A new trend study from the University of California, San Diego, Extension reveals some of the hottest career options for college graduates in this challenging economy.

1. Health care information technology. As technology increases, so does the need for health information technicians to use and maintain patient data that is vital for quality health care and to keep all medical records organized and confidential. Technicians are needed for emerging jobs such as health care integration engineer, health care systems analyst, clinical IT consultant, and technology support specialist.

3. Data mining. Data mining is the technique of extracting specific types of information or patterns from large databases, such as data warehouses. Advanced statistical methods sift through large volumes of data, providing answers to questions that were once too time-consuming.

4. Embedded engineering. Devices from phones, appliances and televisions, to automobiles and iPods all use processors to run. These complex digital processors, or computers, are embedded systems, often built around a microprocessor core, that are designed by software engineers.

5. Geriatric health care. As the numbers of aging baby boomers increase, so does the demand for certain health care jobs and services, including nursing, personal care and home health care.

6. Occupational health and safety. More specialists are needed to cope with technological advances in safety equipment and threats, changing regulations, and increasing public expectations.

7. Spanish/English translation and interpretation. Being bilingual in Spanish and English opens doors to new careers. The key is to gain experience through practical internships in specialized fields such as law, medicine and business.

8. Sustainable business practices and the greening of all jobs. Organizations today must address potential regulation changes and look for business growth opportunities in the new era of sustainable environmental economics.

9. Feature writing for the Web. Technology has transformed journalism and marketing, creating new ways for how news and information are conveyed. The new medium allows for more interactivity, as readers respond via comments or blogs.

10. Teaching English as a foreign language. Interest in English teaching positions abroad has mushroomed. College graduates can find teaching jobs abroad, with travel as an added perk.

Dawn Anfuso is a South Bay-based business writer and former managing editor of Workforce magazine.